WWE wages war in Springfield

WWE powerslams downtown Springfield on Saturday night as
some of the top names in wrestling go toe-to-toe at the
MassMutual Center

World Wrestling Entertainment brings superstars from its
three nationally televised brands - Raw, ECW and Smackdown -
to the center, including reigning ECW champion Mark Henry.

Billed by WWE as "The World's Strongest
Man," Henry competed as a weightlifter in the 1992
Olympics in Barcelona and four years later at the Atlanta
games. The 6-foot, 4-inch, 400-pound Texan holds records for
weightlifting in three categories.

Speaking by telephone en route to a match in Baton Rouge,
La., Henry said he is far less imposing - outside of the
ring, at least - than some might think.

"Most kids when they see me are afraid," he said.
"I'm a big guy, but when I'm talking to them,
they see that I'm human - not a big monster. I'm
an intelligent, articulate and sensitive man - and if you
print 'sensitive,' I'll come looking for
you."

Henry has a legion of fans, young and old alike. Millions
of viewers tune into WWE broadcasts each week, including ECW
matches, which air on Tuesday nights on the SciFi Channel.

Affiliated with WWE since 1996, the 37-year-old wrestler
said he has long since come to terms with fame.

"I want people to recognize me ...

"You don't run off your fans," Henry said.
"There's no other brand like the WWE. We're
accessible."

WWE took in more than $485 million last year with revenue
generated by television, live appearances, toys and home
video and music tie-ins. It was the company's most
successful year in its 45-year history.

Henry attributes the success to fan involvement.

"It's interactive. It pulls at every emotion," he said. "People get to know you and they think of you as part of their family."...